When to plant Pac Choi in Chaffee County, CO
For Pac Choi in Chaffee County, the safe spring window opens around June 2 and closes around June 23. Last expected frost is June 16, first fall frost September 7, giving a 83-day growing season. A second sowing from June 29 to July 13 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Pac Choi in Chaffee County, CO
July in the garden — Chaffee County, Colorado
Each item below is timed to Chaffee County, Colorado's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
Pac choi (baby bok choy) is a compact variety of Chinese cabbage with tender leaves and crisp stems. It grows quickly and is ideal for containers and small spaces.
Chaffee County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 16 and the first fall frost is September 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 83 days.
At an elevation of 7,788 feet, Chaffee County receives approximately 18.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Pac Choi during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Pac Choi successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Chaffee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Pac Choi Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Chaffee County
How your county's soil matches Pac Choi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.6) overlaps with Pac Choi's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Chaffee County is excellent for Pac Choi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Pac Choi.
How to Plant Pac Choi
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Pac Choi
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 14 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jun 29.
Pac Choi Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Pac Choi
Pac Choi needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Pac Choi Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 6.5" | 1.4" | 5.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 1.8" | 4.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 1.9" | 4.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 1.4" | 5.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Chaffee County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Pac Choi Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Pac Choi Planting Timeline — Chaffee County, CO
Pac Choi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 16 | Jun 16 – Jun 30 |
| Direct Sow | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jun 23 |
| Harvest | July 28 | Jul 28 – Aug 25 |
| Fall Sowing | June 29 | Jun 29 – Jul 13 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
40–55 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
83 days in Chaffee County
Growing Tips for Pac Choi in Chaffee County
Direct sow Pac Choi outdoors after June 16 in Chaffee County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Pac Choi in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Chaffee County receives only 19" of rain annually. Pac Choi needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Direct sow in spring or fall. Grows best in cool weather. Space 6 inches apart for baby pac choi. Harvest whole plants or cut outer leaves as needed.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
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Pac Choi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Pac Choi in Chaffee County, CO?
Chaffee County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 16. Plan your Pac Choi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Chaffee County, CO?
Chaffee County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 16 and first fall frost is September 7.
When should I plant Pac Choi in Chaffee County, CO?
In Chaffee County, CO, plant Pac Choi after the last frost (around June 16) and before the first frost (around September 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Chaffee County, CO for Pac Choi?
Chaffee County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Pac Choi grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Pac Choi grow in Chaffee County's climate?
Yes — Pac Choi grows well in Chaffee County's temperate climate. Chaffee County averages a 83-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 16 and first frost around September 7.
Your Chaffee County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Chaffee County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.